THE Conservative candidate to contest Keighley West Ward in Bradford district local elections this spring has been confirmed.

John Kirby, who has previously stood as a Conservative in Keighley East, said he was proud to have been chosen to run in the elections in May for a part of the town where he has strong personal links.

Mr Kirby, who has worked as a bus driver for nearly 17 years, and was also a taxi driver for 13 years, is already a Keighley Town Councillor for Laycock and Braithwaite Ward.

He has been on the town council since 2014 and has chaired its allotments and landscapes committee since 2015.

Mr Kirby is married with three children and was educated at Holy Family Catholic School.

He said: "I was born in Keighley, brought up in Guardhouse and I have a lot of family and friends in Braithwaite, Bracken Bank and Bogthorn. It's an area I know very well.

"I look forward to canvassing the views of residents within the next couple of weeks."

Mr Kirby identified speeding vehicles as the current, number one concern for this part of Keighley, highlighting West Lane, Fell Lane and the Bogthorn areas as particular blackspots for dangerous driving.

He said he had been calling for years for speed cameras to be fitted at these locations, arguing Speedwatch initiatives are not enough to deter the offenders.

He added irresponsible parking outside schools and dog owners allowing their pets to foul on pavements were among other problems in the ward.